Nepal to Double Hydropower Exports to India to Meet Summer Peak
Nepal is set to nearly double its hydropower exports to India, targeting 1.1 gigawatts (GW) this summer to help its neighbor manage record-breaking energy demand.
By : PSUDesk
Update: 2026-03-24 05:59 GMT
KATHMANDU — Nepal is set to nearly double its hydropower exports to India, targeting 1.1 gigawatts (GW) this summer to help its neighbor manage record-breaking energy demand. The move comes as regional tensions in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz tighten global fuel supplies, testing India’s energy security.
Key Highlights:
- Supply Surge: Nepal plans to increase its contribution from 600 MW last year to 1.1 GW, with a long-term goal of reaching 2.5 GW within two years as transmission infrastructure improves.
- Strategic Buffer: While small compared to India's expected 283 GW peak demand, these imports provide a critical cushion, especially at night when solar generation drops and gas-based power faces fuel shortages.
- Energy Security: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is currently seeking buyers for an additional 500 MW to support India's grid through the high-temperature months.
The collaboration underscores a growing energy partnership as India looks to diversify its power sources amid volatile global fuel markets.